Conor Sheary

Since turning pro on the heels of a four-year collegiate career with UMass-Amherst, Sheary has earned a spot on the Penguins’ top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel (a trio cleverly named “Sid and the Kids”), won back-to-back Stanley Cups, and secured a three-year, $9...

Sheary was emblematic of the style of play and pace demanded from new coach Mike Sullivan after the Penguins fired Mike Johnston in December. In fact, he pretty much followed Sullivan from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, debuting Dec. 18. The UMass-Amhert product didn’t produce much offense in a fourth-line role – 10 points in 44 games – but he scored two goals in the Stanley Cup Finals, including the overtime winner in Game 2. Sheary plays bigger and protects the puck better than his 5-foot-8 frame would imply. That diminutive stature lends itself to injury and he seems to get worn down relatively easily, but he has the potential to improve upon his offensive production – especially if he continues to see even-strength time with Sidney Crosby. In 88 AHL tilts, Sheary has potted 27 goals and 81 points, so there’s fantasy intrigue here.